Frequently Asked Questions
What Can an Intern Expect From CPAF?
What are the Interns’ Specific Roles and Duties?
What Does CPAF Expect from the Interns?
Anything Else?
Who’s in Charge?
What is the Weekly Schedule?
How Do I Apply?
What is the Doctrinal Statement of CPAF?
What Can an Intern Expect From CPAF?
Specific teaching and training
Arts Administration/Ministry Training
Every other week, interns spend one morning in a teaching session with Artistic Director, Dr. Patrick Kavanaugh. The course is designed to give young artists the tools to succeed in the various occupations to which God may be calling them. The format is informal and involves both lecture and discussion.
Spiritual Training
Alternating weekly with the Arts Administration/Ministry Training, interns will spend one morning during the week in a teaching session with the CPAF Bible Study Administrator. This course encourages each to look at Biblical principles as we explore God’s perspective on the world of the performing arts and our personal and corporate living out of His ways.
Arts Administration Work Experience
Interns gain valuable experience as they work with the other interns and staff in the administration of CPAF’s ministry. They will have responsibility for certain projects within their ministry area and will often work with others in projects that combine the efforts of all interns.
Lodging and Stipend
Each person accepted into CPAF’s intern program will be provided lodging free of charge. Also, a monthly stipend of $300 will be given to each intern. Interns are responsible for their other expenses.
Growth as a Performing Artist
Performance Opportunities
At least once a month, CPAF sponsors a public performance in which interns are encouraged to participate. Furthermore, there are other opportunities to rehearse and perform in ensembles, the Symphony of the Lakes and for various community venues.
Coaching and Chamber Music
CPAF staff will be available for coaching chamber groups as well as helping in the selection of repertoire. Some private lessons may be possible, but are not guaranteed.
Personal Growth
Fellowship With Like-minded Christian Performing Artists
Interns work from the beginning of September to the end of May in a unique atmosphere of artistic fellowship. Whether working in the office or on a string quartet, each intern is urged to develop close Christian friendships and a lifestyle of mutual encouragement.
Regular fellowship nights
Weekly, CPAF staff and interns gather for Fellowship Night – an informal time of artistic expression and fun. This may include almost anything: from performing a solo sonata, to reading through a Shakespeare play, to a game night.
Mentoring
Each intern will meet weekly with the Intern Supervisor. This is to help ensure the spiritual health and well-being of each intern and to provide encouragement, accountability, and a personal prayer partner.
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What are the Interns’ Specific Roles and Duties?
Details about each intern's specific can be found here.
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What Does CPAF Expect from the Interns?
Office Work
All interns agree to work thirty hours per week in the CPAF office (this includes staff meetings and teaching seminars). The exceptions to this are those known holidays that are observed by the entire staff; two weeks at Christmas, three days for Thanksgiving and government holidays.
Performances
All qualified interns agree to perform regularly in local CPAF performances. It is expected that each intern will consistently practice their art form and initiate performance situations.
Priority of Ministry
Interns are encouraged to be involved with a local church of their choice. Nevertheless, it should be understood that during their time of internship their primary ministry work is with CPAF. They should be careful that commitment to their work as an intern remains the priority. Although interns may find other sources of income (teaching, performing, etc.) they must not accept any other employment that interferes with their CPAF work.
Biblical Lifestyle and Witness
It is not the business of CPAF to dictate what an intern is to do in their “off-hours.” Nevertheless, it should be understood that interns are to “live a life worthy of the Gospel” and actions before the world are a reflection on our Lord Jesus Christ and on this ministry and should be above reproach.
Length of Intern Commitment
CPAF internships generally run from Labor Day to Memorial Day, unless an intern wishes to attend the summer’s MasterWorks Festival as a student. It is possible to continue an internship for more than one year, but these are considered on a case-by-case basis.
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Anything else?
There are thousands of different ways in which advancing the ministry can be accomplished by CPAF interns, but those which take place in the office environment fall into two basic categories:
Activities and Ideas Delegated by CPAF Leadership
Interns will help by responding with dedication and diligence to the tasks assigned by CPAF staff.
Activities and Ideas Created and Implemented by Interns
It is expected that each intern takes the time to prayerfully brainstorm new ideas for advancing the ministry and to implement them without direct supervision. The ideas are to be submitted to the Intern Supervisor, and once approved, interns can use their own creativity to further the ministry.
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Who’s in Charge?
The CPAF Board of Directors is the governing authority of the ministry. The Executive Director, Dr. Patrick Kavanaugh, is charged with the overall supervision and activities of CPAF, its office and its personnel. The Intern Supervisor/Office Manager is responsible for day-to-day operations in the CPAF office and for working with the CPAF interns.
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What is the Weekly Schedule?
The CPAF Office will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Wednesday mornings are spent in either Dr. Kavanaugh’s or the Bible Study Coordinator’s teaching sessions. Monday mornings are spent in a staff meeting for all CPAF personnel. Each intern can set their own weekly hours, but they must be approved by the office manager.
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How do I Apply?
To request an application or for further information call 1-888-836-2723 or email cpaf@christianperformingart.org.
The three stages for the selection of a new CPAF intern are as follows:
Written application
Each intern candidate must fill out the written application. Download the PDF here.
Interview
Selected candidates will have an interview with the Director of CPAF preferably in Winona Lake, Indiana. Travel expenses will be the responsibility of the candidates.
Audition
It is important that every intern demonstrate excellence in their art form. Therefore, each candidate will have an audition before the CPAF Directors, presumably at the time of their interview. Exceptions may be granted to candidates whose artistic abilities are previously well known to the CPAF Directors.
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What is the doctrinal statement of CPAF?
Our Statement of Faith can be found in the Mission section of this website.
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